This paper describes the evolution of indigenous knowledge systems documentation at the Multidisciplinary Research Centre, University of Namibia. As awareness of the value of indigenous knowledge systems has increased it has become apparent that it is threatened with extinction and there is a need to document it. Documentation of indigenous knowledge systems is important to preserve indigenous knowledge so it continues to provide local solutions or alternatives to Western knowhow and instill pride in rural communities about their indigenous knowledge systems. There is no clearly defined approach to document indigenous knowledge systems accurately and in its entirety; such a process has to develop, evolve and improve over time. Documentation at the Multidisciplinary Research Centre at the University of Namibia has gone through several phases of refinement with lessons being learnt and efforts being made to improve the process of documentation to capture indigenous knowledge as accurately as possible. The aim of this paper is present development of the indigenous knowledge systems research at the Multidisciplinary Research Centre from the documentation of general indigenous knowledge systems practices; to data collection methods for indigenous knowledge systems baseline studies on the traditional use of medicinal plants, livestock movement, traditional food and beverages and validation of medicinal plants used to treat malaria.
Grassroots innovation (GI) provides significant opportunities to develop creative solutions to address challenges of developing economies, like Namibia, where the majority of the people live under difficult economic conditions. Despite substantial research on grassroots innovation, there is still little understanding of the inputs required for its acceleration. This article explores; the existing legislation governing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in Namibia, concepts of grassroots innovation and techno-entrepreneurship as a premise for mitigating any bottlenecks towards accelerating GI in Namibia. The Honey Bee Network (HBN) approach was employed in ten (10) regions of Namibia, to scout for and document locally designed solutions and traditional knowledge. The HBN framework was specifically used to explore existing bottlenecks to grassroots ideas with the potential to be refined to impact communities in terms of providing solutions to consumer needs through enhanced productivity, sustainability and poverty reduction. The findings of the study revealed that while there were some good grassroots innovation ideas, there is a lack of policy support for these ideas to reach their commercial or non‐commercial potential. It was concluded that there was a need for the services provided by technological business incubators in developing the marketing capabilities of grassroots innovators in Namibia. In light of the findings it is recommended that Namibia develops a National Innovation Strategy, with specific focus on acceleration of grassroots innovation, through establishment of regional makerspaces and provision of Technology Business Incubation (TBI), particularly in rural areas.
The main aim of this study was to compare the performance of the two National Systems of Innovation for Namibia and Botswana and how they influence national economic development & competitiveness. A mixed method research approach was applied to conduct a comparative analysis of Namibia and Botswana’s National Systems of Innovation for national economic competitiveness. Two phases were adopted, namely, quantitative research through survey questionnaire and qualitative research from generated thematic areas, i.e. characteristics of an effective national system of innovation; Namibia-Botswana Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Framework and Strategies; Science, Technology and Innovation Resources linked to Wealth Creation. It also established the Challenges faced by the two countries in implanting STI Policies & Strategies; Solutions needed to improve STI Policies and Strategies for Namibia and Botswana; the natural endowment for Namibia and Botswana; the role of Governments in improving economic competitiveness Furthermore, the study managed to establish the following key policy recommendation and suggested areas of further research to build an effective and efficient National System of Innovation, which is economically viable and helps build a nation’s competitive advantage.
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